Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a challenge in the perioperative setting. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a therapeutic option in that setting. ECMO may be necessary for patients with POPH in the perioperative hemodynamic management during OLT.

In highly selected cases, VA-ECMO implantation and timing should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team before induction.

The emergency perioperative implantation of ECMO is a realistic alternative.

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is part of Group 1 of the clinical classification of pulmonary hypertension and represents 5-15% of patients with pulmonary hypertension, with a 5-year mortality rate of 40%.

Read More